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## **Key Ingredients for Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup**
While this recipe is easy to prepare, the quality and balance of ingredients are key to getting that perfect creamy, hearty soup. Let’s break down each of the ingredients and their roles in this dish.
### **1. Ground Beef**
The heart of this soup is the **ground beef**, which adds a savory, meaty flavor that complements the potatoes and cream. When selecting the beef, you can go for lean or regular ground beef depending on your preference. If you want a richer flavor, you can opt for ground beef with a higher fat content. Be sure to brown the beef before adding it to the Crockpot to help release excess fat and bring out the flavor.
### **2. Potatoes**
For the perfect texture, **Russet potatoes** work best. They break down slightly as they cook, adding starch to the soup that thickens the broth and creates a creamy consistency. If you prefer a firmer texture, you can also use **Yukon Gold potatoes**, which hold their shape better but still contribute a rich, buttery flavor.
### **3. Onion and Garlic**
**Onion** and **garlic** are the foundational aromatics in this soup. They infuse the broth with a savory depth of flavor that enhances the beef and potatoes. You can either chop the onion and garlic finely for a smooth texture or leave them a little coarser for extra bite. The onions caramelize slightly during the slow cooking process, adding a subtle sweetness that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
### **4. Carrots (Optional)**
Some variations of this soup include **carrots** for a touch of sweetness and color. If you want to add more vegetables to your soup, carrots are an excellent choice. They cook well in the Crockpot and add a nutritious element to the dish.
### **5. Chicken or Beef Broth**
To create the soup base, **chicken broth** or **beef broth** is used. The broth adds richness and helps build the savory foundation of the soup. You can use low-sodium broth if you prefer a healthier option, or opt for regular broth for a richer flavor. If you want to make the soup even more flavorful, you can also add a **bouillon cube** or **granules** to intensify the taste.
### **6. Heavy Cream and Cream Cheese**
The creamy texture of the soup comes from **heavy cream** and **cream cheese**. The heavy cream makes the soup rich and velvety, while the cream cheese adds a slight tanginess that balances out the flavors. You can substitute the heavy cream with **half-and-half** for a lighter version of the soup, but using full-fat cream will give you the best creamy texture.
### **7. Seasonings**
The seasonings in this soup are what bring everything together. **Salt**, **pepper**, and **paprika** are used to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients, while **Italian seasoning** or **thyme** can be added to deepen the flavor profile. A pinch of **red pepper flakes** can give the soup a mild kick if you like a little heat.
### **8. Shredded Cheese (Optional)**
While not strictly necessary, **shredded cheese** makes a fantastic garnish for this soup. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice because its sharpness contrasts nicely with the creamy texture of the soup. Other types of cheese like **Monterey Jack**, **Mozzarella**, or **Parmesan** work great as well. Add the cheese to the soup just before serving for a melty, gooey finish.
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## **How to Make Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup**
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making **Crockpot Creamy Potato & Hamburger Soup**. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fact that it doesn’t require any complicated techniques. It’s all about layering the ingredients and letting the slow cooker do the hard work.
**Ingredients:**
– 1 lb. ground beef
– 4-5 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 carrot, chopped (optional)
– 4 cups chicken or beef broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 8 oz. cream cheese, cubed
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for garnish)
– Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
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